Getting your HVAC system ready for winter doesn’t have to be complicated but it does need to be done right. Even a minor issue can become a major headache.
A little preparation now keeps your home more comfortable during these long Minnesota Winters.
Start with a Visual Inspection
Before you turn your system up for the season, take a few minutes to walk through your home and check over anything connected to heating. Look at exposed ductwork, vents, and registers. Are any of them blocked by furniture or rugs? Is there visible dust buildup that might restrict airflow?
If you use a boiler or have radiators, give them a once-over. Rust, leaks, or air trapped in the lines can all cause issues when heat demand ramps up. If you spot anything that looks off—or if the system hasn’t been professionally inspected in over a year—it’s smart to call in a technician before winter hits full force.
Change or Clean Your Filter
This one’s simple, but it gets skipped more than you’d think. A dirty filter makes your system work harder than necessary, meaning higher energy use and unnecessary strain on the blower motor.
Most filters need swapping out every month or so unless you’re using a washable or reusable filter. In that case, now’s the time to clean it and let it dry completely before reinstalling. Be sure to take a second look before sliding the cover shut. A loose edge or bent corner can pull unfiltered air into the system, and that dust tends to collect where it causes the most trouble.
Test the Thermostat Before It Matters
Please don’t wait for the first cold front to find out your system isn’t responding as it should. Switch the thermostat over to heat before winter really sets in. Bump the temperature up a few degrees and give it a minute. You’re looking for a smooth start, where the system doesn’t hesitate or make strange noises.
If the furnace doesn’t kick on, it’s better to deal with that now than in the middle of a freeze. Most of the time, it’s something small: a sensor out of calibration, a loose wire, or a setting that needs to be adjusted. But small things don’t stay small if you leave them alone too long.
Inspect Outdoor Components
Even if your furnace is indoors, your HVAC system might still have components outside—especially if you use a heat pump or have central air connected to the same ductwork. Covering the AC unit isn’t always necessary, but clearing away leaves, branches, and debris from around it is a must. If snow builds up in that area, keeping a clear perimeter will prevent drainage or airflow issues once the weather shifts again.
Just don’t wrap the unit tightly with plastic or a tarp. That can trap moisture and cause corrosion. If you want to cover it, use a breathable material explicitly made for HVAC equipment.
Seal Up Drafts and Air Leaks
Your HVAC system works best when not fighting a losing battle with leaky windows or under-insulated walls.
Weatherstrip or caulk around windows and doors where you feel the air movement. Consider adding door sweeps or insulated curtains if those areas stay cold.
If certain rooms still seem drafty after that, it might be worth checking attic insulation or calling for an energy audit. Heating air you can’t keep in the house is one of the fastest ways to waste energy and wear out your system.
Bleed Air from Radiators (If You Use Them)
If your home uses a boiler system with radiators, trapped air can prevent even heating. You might notice one unit staying cold while the rest of the house feels warm. Bleeding the radiator—carefully releasing that trapped air—is a simple fix, but it needs to be done safely.
Use a radiator key or flathead screwdriver to open the valve slowly until you hear hissing. Once the water starts to appear, close it again. Have a towel or small container ready to catch any drips. If you’ve never done this before or several radiators seem off, call a pro to ensure the system is properly balanced.
Book a Preseason Tune-Up
Even if everything seems to be working fine, a routine inspection by a qualified technician is one of the best ways to avoid trouble. A preseason tune-up includes checking burners, inspecting heat exchangers, testing safeties, tightening electrical connections, and verifying proper airflow.
Catch a loose wire, a failing sensor, or a clogged drain early, and save yourself from an emergency call during a snowstorm. And if you’re part of a maintenance plan, many companies include this check as part of your annual service.
Ready for Winter, the Right Way
Whether prepping a brand-new system or coaxing a few more seasons out of an older one, taking the time to do it right makes all the difference. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’re always here to take a look.
